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The life of the Buddha

            Suffering, it's something we all go through. From minor inconveniences like paper-cuts and small arguments with a friend, to the deep grief we feel when a relative dies. Suffering is as much a part of the human experience as beautiful things like love and art. Wouldn't it be great though, if we could somehow elevate ourselves above suffering? This isn't a new idea; it was already around for centuries when a wise man sat down to ponder this question about two and a half thousand years ago. This man was Siddhattha Gotama, better known as the Buddha. He believed he had found the way to elevate himself above the suffering of the world. However to understand why he reached the conclusion he did you must understand the life he led. .
             Shuddhodana Gotama was a high ranking official in the government of Sakyan. Sakyan was a country that existed in the area of what is present day India. Shuddhodana had a beautiful wife, Maya, who was described as a "kind women of great virtue." One day while sleeping, Maya had a dream in which a tremendous elephant with six tusks came to her. As it approached her she noticed that it carried a lotus flower in its trunk and though the massive beast was coming closer and closer, she did not fear it. Then the elephant bent down and touched the side of her stomach with its trunk. .
             When Maya awoke she went to see the priests to find out the meaning of her dream. They told Maya that it was a great blessing, for she was now carrying a child that was meant for something great. He was to be a great leader; the child was going to change the world.
             Maya pregnancy progressed quicker than normal, and she decided to get out of the palaces of Kapilarathu and visit the small peaceful town of Lumbini Grove. So Maya and her entourage of servants, bodyguards, and dancing girls made there way to the town all the while her stomach was getting bigger and bigger.
             When they got to the grove Maya fell asleep.


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